Pope Leo XIV Hospitalised for Lung Surgery, Cancels Public Engagements

Pope Leo XIV has been admitted to hospital in Rome for surgery to remove a small growth on his lung, marking his first hospitalisation since becoming head of the Catholic Church.

The 71 year old pontiff is scheduled to undergo the operation on Tuesday afternoon at the Agostino Gemelli University Policlinic hospital in northwest Rome, following the discovery of a lung nodule during routine medical tests.

Leo disclosed the development during his address to worshippers at St Peter’s Square on Sunday, saying doctors had advised him to have the growth removed.

He described the nodule as having been detected at a very early stage and being well-contained.

A lung nodule is a small mass of tissue that may be benign, although further medical assessment is often required to determine its nature.

Following the procedure, the pope has cancelled all public engagements until October 20, while the Vatican said he would need approximately one week to recover.

Dr Matthew Triplette, medical director of the Lung Cancer Screening Programme and a specialist in pulmonary and critical care medicine, said surgeries to remove lung nodules were usually minimally invasive and associated with a low rate of complications.

He added that patients typically spend a few days in hospital before continuing their recovery at home.

The Agostino Gemelli hospital has a longstanding relationship with the Vatican and maintains a dedicated suite for the pope on its 10th floor. The facility was famously described as “Vatican three” by Pope John Paul II during his frequent hospital stays.

Pope Francis also spent an extended period at the hospital early last year while receiving treatment for pneumonia.

Despite the planned surgery, the Vatican is expected to continue its routine administrative activities during the pope’s hospitalisation. However, decisions requiring his signature may be postponed.

The Vatican has no specific rules governing the transfer of papal authority in the event of a pope’s temporary incapacitation. Even if unconscious or undergoing surgery, the pontiff retains full authority as head of the Catholic Church.

Previous popes, including Francis and John Paul II, issued statements and enacted measures while receiving hospital treatment.

Meanwhile, Leo maintained his regular schedule on Monday, holding a series of meetings in the morning before attending a gathering of bishops and other Church leaders at the Vatican.

News of the planned surgery has prompted messages of support and prayers from Catholics and other well-wishers around the world.

Paul Kavulich, a visitor from Chicago who was in Rome on a pilgrimage with his daughter, expressed hope that the procedure would be successful.

“We’re just hoping that his procedure is going to go well,” he said, adding that he believed God was with the pontiff.

The Vatican press office said the lung growth was discovered during routine medical examinations.

Leo, the first American to become pope, is not publicly known to have any underlying health problems and is said to maintain an active lifestyle that includes playing tennis and swimming.